The Division of Music is to offer quality educational opportunities that provide students with the technical skills and the theoretical and historical knowledge necessary for professional competence in their chosen areas of specialization.
Welcome to UAM Band
UAM has 4 jazz ensembles open to all students by audition during the first week of class. Auditions will consist of scales, improvisation, and sight reading. Instrumentation for the Jazz Ensembles is that of a traditional big band. The ensembles present on campus performances of traditional jazz forms as well as more popular styles. Jazz Band I also performs at Jazz festivals and contests.
The UAM “Pride of Southeast Arkansas” Marching Band is open to all University students who play band instruments and to those who have experience on auxiliary lines (color guard/flag, twirlers, etc.). The Marching Band employs a variety of musical styles, marches corps style, and performs at all UAM home football games, as well as area parades, fairs, and festivals. Generous scholarships are available for students possessing exceptional talent.
Membership in this ensemble is by audition and is comprised of marching band members (Fall semester) and Wind Symphony members. Any other students at the university who play a band instrument and would like to participate (Spring semester) may audition for placement. The Symphonic Band performs both original wind band pieces encompassing music from the Classical period through the 21st century, as well as works transcribed from the orchestral repertoire. This ensemble performs on campus in the Spring semester. Generous scholarships are available for students possessing exceptional talent.
The premier instrumental ensemble at the University is open only by audition or special invitation. The UAM Wind Ensemble has only one player per part (for most instruments) and performs challenging music from the wind band literature, encompassing music from the Classical period through the present. Members of the Wind Ensemble concurrently participate in the Symphonic Band during the Spring Semester. Audition repertoire consisting of scales, prepared music, and sight reading will be announced and posted after mid-term exams during the Fall Semester. Generous scholarships are available for students possessing exceptional talent. The ensemble performs concerts on and off campus and tours every other year in the Spring semester.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
An audition is required for all entering undergraduate music majors for scholarship consideration and/or placement in an ensemble. Auditions are typically held on campus at advertised times and dates throughout the school year. Additional audition dates for incoming freshman or first-time students may be arranged by contacting the appropriate program director (Director of Bands, Director of Choral Activities).
Generally, auditions consist of prepared pieces selected by the student and sight-reading. Regarding prepared materials, music from two contrasting styles is preferred. (Technical and lyrical). Most students choose all-region audition music, all-state audition music, or music performed at a solo and ensemble competition. Contact the appropriate program director (Director of Bands, Director of Choral Activities) for specific repertoire requirements or more information.
Auditions for current and first-time students regarding specific performing ensembles are held on a semesterly basis. These ensembles include the Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Jazz One, Second Jazz Band, Third Jazz Band, Jazz Combos, or any other small ensembles. Jazz and Combo auditions will be held in August for Fall Semester placement and January for Spring Semester placement. Wind Symphony and Concert Band auditions will be held in November for Spring Semester placement. Program directors and the Chair of the Division of Music reserve the right to schedule auditions as needed.
Ensembles in the Division of Music are ability-based groups and one’s position within an ensemble is not guaranteed. If a student does not audition and still wishes to participate in an ensemble, with the ensemble director’s permission, the student may enroll in the lowest ensemble and sit last chair in their respective section."
If you have any questions or concerns, please call 870-460-1060.
CONTACT INFORMATION
We want to be responsive to your questions or issues. You can contact us through the
following methods:
Department of Instrumental Music
University of Arkansas at Monticello
University Drive
Monticello, AR 71656
Phone:
(870)-460-1060-Division of Music Office
UAM Band Contact:
Erik Richards, Ph.D.
Director of Athletic Bands
Assistant Professor of Music, Saxophone
Office: 206
Phone: 460-1160
richards@uamont.edu
